Emilio700

My 2020 Domane gravel build

https://www.bikeforums.net/cyclocros...vel-build.html

Cpn_Dunsel

The problem I have with all TREK machines is their bottom bracket. Press fit is a wallet lock. Great bikes but I only buy and spend on machines that have a screw in BB.

Plastic bikes (which is what carbon fiber frames are ... plastic) with press fit BB's are not going to be machines that last and work well without lots maintenance on that BB. Their aluminum frames may last. Their plastic ones will not.

I do not consider the Domane a Gravel bike. The front fork rake, the geometry. the headset angle, the inability to run a 650b x 47 wheel set makes it a road bike that can be used off road in some conditions but hardly a true Gravel Bike.

Emilio700

The 2020 Domane uses a T47 threaded bottom bracket. A bit heavier but.. fantastic. I'm using a Wheels Manufacturing BB in mine.

srode1

I won't disagree with you on the gravel comment, but there is nothing wrong with Trek BB set up. I have a bit more than 22,000 miles on my Domane and have replaced one bearing (one side not both) and it was the bearing that failed nothing to do with the press fit in the frame.

Emilio700

You you might want to review the pro endurance geometry version before finalizing that opinion.


I don't consider 650bx47 clearance mandatory for a gravel bike. 700x42c is as much as many serious gravel racers will ever run. For me the 20 Domane with Pro geometry is a gravel race bike which is something of a different beast than a bike packing or beginner gravel bike.

onlybirdman

Hi All,

I've been considering the Gen 3 Domane or a titanium gravel bike that can take up to 40mm tires. I've heard that once the tire pressure decreased to a certain point, the IsoSpeed's contribution to comfort is relatively negligible. The gravel trail next to my house has many bridge joints, gaps, and other sharp bumps that jolts my MUD pretty good. A ti gravel bike would be more versatile. While I would definitely trade versatility for IsoSpeed's comfort, but not if it is negligible with 38 or 40mm tires. Would like to know everyone's thoughts on that. Thanks!

Ilbiker

If you can live with the tire size limits and geometry of the Domane, then why not use it as a gravel bike? You need to read through Emilio700’s thread, very interesting. If you must have the tire clearance and geometry of a true gravel bike then look elsewhere. I’ve already crossed light gravel to get to another wonderful chip and seal road without any issues. This is why I bought my Domane.

onlybirdman

Yes, Emilio700 provided many great info. I actually left similar question on another forum where Emilio700 also posted. I don't have all that much against Domane, mainly just geometry, and that's just nitpicking. If Domane can have a longer front center for more stability and avoid toe overlaps, that would be perfect.

Emilio700

If you are looking for a more race oriented geometry, look at the optional Pro Endurance geometry through project one. Only available with the SLR.

onlybirdman

Hi, not sure if that was towards me. I was actually looking for a more relax geometry. Anyways. My main question is more on its comfort with lower tire pressure around 35PSI. Are the IsoSpeed decouplers still contributing to comfort at those low tire pressure?

Emilio700

Of course, more shock absorption is more shock absorption. Low pressure does a good job of absorbing low amplitude, high frequency stuff. ISO is focused on the high amplitude stuff, basically big hits.

I have run the wheels off of my road bike on the Domane. So without intending to, I got a good comparison between a standard road frame (Cervelo S5 disc) with the road wheels, the SLR with the same road wheels and the SLR with fat gravel tires.

Captain266

Why not get a Trek Checkpoint SL5?

pattrick

I recently purchased the SL5 and have been quite pleased. The iso- suspension does smooth the chip seal and the cracked roads very well. The big hits are still big hits. I run mine primarily on the road but have no problems running it through the fields [grass] and the horse trails[packed clay]. Rail trails of varying composition are taken in stride. I jumped after learning it no longer has a press fit bottom bracket. It handles wonderfully as a road bike and seems to climb very well. Overall I have been pleased. It serves well for my gravel needs. As long as your not running huge chunk gravel for long stretches 38's are quite capable. I prefer to run 32's and they handle my needs well without losing much on the roads. The bike just seems to be a great compromise for some one who likes to venture off the road now and then yet wants performance on the road. It may not be perfect for everything but it's damn fine for alot of things. Good luck with deciding!

milan4ever

what a hot bike 🔥